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Neønymus – ø [English/Polish]

ENG: The album “ø” by Spanish project Neønymus was recorded in the Benedictine Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos during several nights in May 2013. The musicians started their work at 10.30 PM and recorded until the early morning hours, so as not to interfere with the daily life of the monastic community. Some sounds were also recorded in the forests and caves surrounding the monastery – so the circumstances of how the album came to life are quite unusual. Therefore, below this review you will find a documentary showing a ‘behind the scenes’ impression of “ø” instead of the usual sound samples. And the end result? Also impressive.

Neønymus’ brain is Silverio Cavia, who’s responsible for most of the instruments and vocals. Assisted by Bernardo Faustino Lopez and Suso Ramallo, he created what could be described as contemporary primordial music. Created using means of expression and instruments known for centuries – including the oldest instrument in the world, that is the human voice – but with the help of modern technology – which is pretty obvious. Yet, Silverio manages to capture the ancient, prehistoric spirit and delve into those times as intensely as possible for a twenty-first century man. At some point Neønymus’ work recalls some parts of Dead Can Dance. Obviously Lisa and Brendan’s work is more plain, more richly orchestrated but with all its professionalism; and perhaps precisely because of that, it isn’t able to approach the sound of past centuries so closely.

Because within Neønymus’ music there is a place for small lapses, minor defects, which at first listen one doesn’t even notice. This release definitely achieves the effect of authenticity because of this naturalness. Surely these recordings were later polished in the studio, but their essence remains intact. The sound itself is also one of the main advantages of the album. Even if I hadn’t known the circumstances behind the making of “ø”, I’d have guessed that it wasn’t recorded in a modern electronics walled room. The most important element here are the vocals. Strong and clean. Silverio skillfully uses polyphonic forms, which sometimes gives a really amazing effect and proves that you don’t need sophisticated tools in order to create a truly magical atmosphere. Other sounds are but a supplement: drums, accordion and a few others. A sublime and solemn atmosphere, appropriate to the location of the recordings, is floating over almost each composition. In this context, the last three songs are quite surprising. The serene “Canción Para Llamar Al Ganado” is in fact a song of the Pyrenean shepherds during their everyday duties. “Dos”, which – I apologize for such a trivial comparison – reminds me of the “oral” flauntings of Bobby McFerrin. And this “Ten Seconds To Wake Up”. A great culmination of the disc, where the present day, in the form of an electric guitar, comes to power for a while. A breathtaking piece it is.

Each song is accompanied by a note in English and Spanish. Silverio speaks, among other things, about the funeral of a Visigoth warrior or about the Norwegian Princess Kristina Hakønsdotter forced into engagement with the Castilian king. Just a little history lesson. I wasn’t very convinced at first, I admit, but as it turned out my restraint was completely unjustified. An extraordinary and rather unique album.